Local Cultural Identity Markers in Bagelen during the Ancient Java

Abstract

This research explored the cultural traces of the Ancient Mataram community in South Kedu, Bagelen region, Central Java. There are abundant archaeological data on this issue: Hindu and Buddhist statues, lingga-yoni, lingga pathok, rings, lamps, and five inscriptions, namely the Watukura (902 AD, Kayu Ara Hiwang (911 AD), Sipater (circa 900 AD), Ayam Têas (901 AD), and Pendem (881 AD). In addition, there are more than 26 archaeological sites in the Bagelen region. Statues, lingga-yoni, lamps, rings, are correlated with the contents of the inscriptions, hence it shows how the system and the social structure of society work in the Bagelen region. Those artifacts are a sign system that describes the religious activities during the Rakai Watukura Dyah Balitung period of the Ancient Mataram. The research aims to obtain an overview of how material culture as a sign system is interpreted by the community. The research method used structural approach by analyzing signs and meanings of artifact data and inscriptions. The results uncovered how the culture was manifested and reflected in spirituality concept with local cultural identity in Bagelen region.